Earthquake in Turkey: Disasters and Children

Abstract

Very recently, on 6 February 2023, at 04:17 am local time, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in Kahramanmaras, in southeastern region of Turkey.Some nine hours later, the same area was struck by another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, with more than 1000 subsequent aftershocks, some of which were greater than magnitude 6.These earthquakes were the most devastating disasters that hit Turkey in the several last centuries, and unfortunately resulted in extensive damage and some 35 000 deaths and 105 000 injured for the time being (one week after the earthquakes).Disasters, either regional or global, natural (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, biological hazards) or man-made (wars, terrorist attacks, conflicts...), are overwhelming events and have significant impacts on the entire community, causing loss and damage to human, material, economic and environmental resources. 1Because of their physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities, children are at higher risk of mortality and morbidity than adults. 2Figure 1 shows spectrum of direct and indirect disaster-related mortality in children.Children, who survive disasters, may suffer from short-and long-term consequences of disasters due to inadequate settlement, social circumstances, education, and especially being separated from family members. [2][3]3][4] Figures 2 and3 show the medical and social impacts of disasters on pediatric disaster victims.

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